CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “West Virginia GEAR UP has touched my life in ways that I never would have imagined as a seventh grader– the year when I was first introduced to the program. I’m so glad that I’ve stayed in touch with the people that I’ve met throughout this journey,” said Taylor Raby, a 2014 graduate from Scott High School. … Read More
News release: Mentored students on a path to succeed with West Virginia GEAR UP’s Student Success Society initiative
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia GEAR UP, a federal program managed by the Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) that serves nearly 500 high school students as they prepare for education or training after graduation, is celebrating National Mentoring Month by spreading the word about the impact of mentorships in West Virginia. Established in GEAR UP-supported schools in 2016, Student Success … Read More
News Release: West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ partners with West Liberty University to award $1,000 scholarships to West Virginia high school juniors
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, nine West Virginia students were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship on behalf of West Liberty University. The university made the announcement during the annual Student Leadership Academy event at the Clay Center. The event, which was hosted by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s (Commission’s) federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)” initiative, invited 1,400 11th grade students … Read More
News Release: West Virginia students celebrate national initiative that helps them plan for life after high school
West Virginia students celebrate national initiative that helps them plan for life after high school ‘West Virginia GEAR UP’ assists thousands of West Virginia students with planning for an education or training beyond high school CHARLESTON, W.Va. – This week, thousands of students in 10 West Virginia counties are celebrating a program that helps them prepare for postsecondary education. GEAR … Read More
Herald-Dispatch: Marshall hosts GEAR UP U as WV juniors get college experience
Originally published in the Herald-Dispatch on June 27, 2018. HUNTINGTON – College-level courses might prepare high school students for the academic rigors of university life, but adapting to physically maneuvering and living on campus is a different skill often left undeveloped. But for four days this week, more than 220 of West Virginia’s rising high school juniors will be treated … Read More
News Release: Rising high school juniors to “GEAR UP” for college during annual college prep academy
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – This Wednesday, more than 220 rising high school juniors are expected to arrive in Huntington, WV, to participate in a summer academy that gives students a taste of college life. The West Virginia “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR UP) program will host its annual GEAR UP U event on the campus of Marshall University from … Read More
West Virginia GEAR UP schools to launch “FAFSA Frenzy” campaign
West Virginia GEAR UP schools to launch “FAFSA Frenzy” campaign With just over two weeks left to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to be eligible for many in-state grants and scholarships, West Virginia GEAR UP high schools will launch a “FAFSA Frenzy” campaign. The campaign, which will officially launch in schools on Monday, April 2, … Read More
News Release: Boone County student shares West Virginia perspective with national audience
Boone County student shares West Virginia perspective with national audience GEAR UP alumnus talks about the road to college during inaugural Obama Foundation Summit CHICAGO – This Tuesday and Wednesday, James “Ikie” Brooks, West Virginia “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)” alum, participated in the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago, IL. The Summit, which took place on … Read More
News Release: West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ partners with Fairmont State University to award $1,000 scholarships to West Virginia high school students
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Fairmont State University announced Wednesday that it would award 10 West Virginia students each with a $1,000 scholarship. The university made the announcement during the annual Student Leadership Academy event at the Clay Center. The event, which was hosted by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s (HEPC’s) federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate … Read More
Recap: GEAR UP U 2017
GEAR UP U was a 4-day/3-night summer academy held at Concord University from June 14-17. Participants lived on campus, took fun classes, developed their leadership skills, and met students from across the state. More than 150 rising tenth graders participated in GEAR UP U 2017. Check out the photo album!